US20180125014A1 - Modular pot for a plant - Google Patents
Modular pot for a plant Download PDFInfo
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- US20180125014A1 US20180125014A1 US15/490,635 US201715490635A US2018125014A1 US 20180125014 A1 US20180125014 A1 US 20180125014A1 US 201715490635 A US201715490635 A US 201715490635A US 2018125014 A1 US2018125014 A1 US 2018125014A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- base
- sidewall
- container
- plant
- axis
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- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01G—HORTICULTURE; CULTIVATION OF VEGETABLES, FLOWERS, RICE, FRUIT, VINES, HOPS OR SEAWEED; FORESTRY; WATERING
- A01G9/00—Cultivation in receptacles, forcing-frames or greenhouses; Edging for beds, lawn or the like
- A01G9/02—Receptacles, e.g. flower-pots or boxes; Glasses for cultivating flowers
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01G—HORTICULTURE; CULTIVATION OF VEGETABLES, FLOWERS, RICE, FRUIT, VINES, HOPS OR SEAWEED; FORESTRY; WATERING
- A01G9/00—Cultivation in receptacles, forcing-frames or greenhouses; Edging for beds, lawn or the like
- A01G2009/003—Receptacles consisting of separable sections, e.g. for allowing easy removal of the plant
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- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Environmental Sciences (AREA)
- Cultivation Receptacles Or Flower-Pots, Or Pots For Seedlings (AREA)
Abstract
A container for a plant may include a base having an axis and drain holes, and a sidewall configured to be rotationally attached to the base about the axis to form the container. The sidewall may be configured to surround a portion of the base and extend axially upward from the base.
Description
- The present invention relates in general to pots and, in particular, to a system, method and apparatus for a modular pot for plants.
- Berry plants, such as blueberry plants, are well suited for growth in a container due to their shallow root system that allows swift adaptation to reduced space. Blueberry roots are fibrous and have a small extension, and since they do not have hairs, the younger roots are the ones responsible for nutrients intake.
- Another reason for growing blueberries in containers is that they require a specialized soil with a low and acid pH ranging between 4.5 and 4.8. With in-ground plantings, maintaining this low pH may require a concerted, ongoing effort, whereas by using a container or pot it is possible to create the ideal soil pH at planting time.
- One method of growing in containers uses a pot described in U.S. Pat. No. D426490, which provides a square pot, not showing any particular benefit for blueberries since its flat base is in direct contact with the ground. U.S. Pat. No. D415065 discloses a pot of square structure with an upper peripheral border and vertical parallel bars equidistantly distributed over its outer sidewalls. This pot does not showcase a drainage system effective enough for blueberry growing. U.S. Pat. No. D466829 discloses a pot of irregular square body with an independent element capable of being assembled in the base by way of a clamping system. In spite of exhibiting square structures, these pots do not have a base adequately engineered to allow proper packing and transportation. Furthermore, these pots are not favorable for high density blueberry production since they do not display space enough between the base and the ground thus preventing an efficient drainage of liquid waste produced as a consequence of plant growing. Thus, improvements in containers for plants continue to be of interest.
- Embodiments of a container for a plant may include a base having an axis, and a sidewall configured to be rotationally attached to the base about the axis to form the container. The sidewall may be configured to surround a portion of the base and extend axially upward from the base.
- Another embodiment of a container for a plant may include a base and a sidewall coupled to the base. The sidewall may have an inner layer and an outer layer. The outer layer may be lighter in color than the inner layer, and configured to reflect light away from the container. The inner layer may be darker in color than the outer layer, and configured to protect roots of the plant in the container from light exposure.
- A third embodiment of a container for a plant may include a base and a sidewall configured to be coupled to the base. A fixture may be included to couple the sidewall to the base.
- An embodiment of a method of forming a container for a plant may include forming a hot extruded pipe shape that is continuous and symmetrical about an axis with a pipe forming machine. The method may include blow molding the hot extruded shape into a different shape that is continuous. Next, the method may include cutting the different shape into substantially identical axial segments, each of which forms a sidewall for the container for the plant.
- Another method of forming a container for a plant may include providing a base with an axis and a sidewall. The method may include axially placing the sidewall onto the base; and then rotating the base and the sidewall relative to each other about the axis to form the container.
- Yet another embodiment of a container for a plant may include a base and two sidewalls. The first sidewall may have a first shape and be configured to be interchangeably mountable to the base. The second sidewall may have a second shape that is different from the first shape. The second sidewall may be configured to be interchangeably mountable to the base when the first sidewall is not mounted to the base.
- Still another embodiment of a container for a plant may include a base and a sidewall attached to the base. When the container is not substantially filled with a plant substrate, the sidewall has a nominal sidewall shape. When the container is substantially filled with the plant substrate, the sidewall is forced by the plant substrate to shift to a second sidewall shape that differs from the nominal sidewall shape.
- The foregoing and other objects and advantages of these embodiments will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the appended claims and the accompanying drawings.
- So that the manner in which the features and advantages of the embodiments are attained and can be understood in more detail, a more particular description may be had by reference to the embodiments thereof that are illustrated in the appended drawings. However, the drawings illustrate only some embodiments and therefore are not to be considered limiting in scope as there may be other equally effective embodiments.
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FIG. 1 is a top isometric view of an embodiment of an assembly of a container for a plant. -
FIG. 2 is an exploded, top isometric view of the embodiment of the container ofFIG. 1 prior to assembly. -
FIG. 3 is a top isometric view of another embodiment of a container for a plant. -
FIG. 4 is a top view of an embodiment of a sidewall of the container ofFIGS. 1 and 2 . -
FIG. 5 is a sectional view of a portion of the embodiment of the sidewall ofFIG. 4 , taken along the line 5-5 ofFIG. 4 . -
FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of a lower end of the sidewall ofFIG. 5 , taken at the circleFIG. 6 inFIG. 5 . -
FIG. 7 is an enlarged side view of the lower end of the sidewall ofFIGS. 1 and 2 , illustrating one embodiment of a tab thereof. -
FIG. 8 is an enlarged side view of the lower end of the sidewall ofFIGS. 1 and 2 , illustrating a second embodiment of a tab thereof. -
FIG. 9 is an enlarged side view of the lower end of the sidewall ofFIGS. 1 and 2 , illustrating a third embodiment of a tab thereof. -
FIG. 10 is a top view of a portion of an embodiment of a base of the container ofFIGS. 1 and 2 . -
FIG. 11 is a sectional side view of the portion of the base ofFIG. 10 , taken along the line 11-11 ofFIG. 10 . -
FIG. 12 is a top view of a second portion of an embodiment of the base of the container ofFIGS. 1 and 2 . -
FIG. 13 is a top view of a third portion of an embodiment of the base of the container ofFIGS. 1 and 2 . -
FIGS. 14A and 14B are schematic, top isometric views of a shape-shifting container for a plant, before and after plant substrate is added to the container. -
FIG. 15 is an exploded, top isometric view of another embodiment of a container. -
FIG. 16 is a top isometric view of an embodiment of a fixture for assembling containers. -
FIG. 17 is a partial, side isometric view of an embodiment of a container the intentionally deforms when loaded with substrate. - The use of the same reference symbols in different drawings indicates similar or identical items.
- Embodiments of a system, method and apparatus for a pot or container for a plant are disclosed. For example, a container 21 (
FIGS. 1 and 2 ) may comprise a tray orbase 23 having anaxis 25. Asidewall 31 may be configured to be attached to the base 23 about theaxis 25 to form thecontainer 21. Thesidewall 31 may be configured to surround a portion of thebase 23 and extend axially upward from thebase 23. The base 23 may comprise a same material or a different material than thesidewall 31. In one version, thebase 23 may have a wall thickness that is greater than that of thesidewall 31. In some versions, thesidewall 31 may include a wall thickness in a range of about 0.6 mm to about 1.5 mm. The wall thickness may vary along the axial length of thesidewall 31. For example, the wall thickness can be greatest at the small diameter end, and thinnest at the large diameter end. Embodiments may include a small diameter end in a range of about 250 mm to about 350 mm, and a large diameter end in a range of about 350 mm to about 450 mm. - The
sidewall 31 may be attached to the base in a number of ways, such as axially, rotationally or a combination thereof. For example, when rotationally joined, an angle of rotation α (about axis 25) to secure thesidewall 31 to the base 23 may be in a range of about 15 degrees to about 90 degrees. In one version, thesidewall 31 may be releasably coupled to thebase 23. In another version, thesidewall 31 may be configured to be locked to thebase 23, such that thesidewall 31 will not unintentionally unlock during normal use with plants and substrates, such as soil. Some embodiments of thesidewall 31 may be joined to the base 23 with a mechanical or heat stake, sonic weld, adhesive, fastener, or a combination thereof. - Versions of the
container 21 may be configured in a variety of shapes, such as polygonal (FIGS. 1 and 2 ), round (FIG. 3 ), and still other shapes. For example, thesidewall 31 may include anupper end 33 that is square with rounded corners (FIGS. 1 and 2 ), and alower end 35 that is circular. In another version, thesidewall 31 may be frustoconical (FIG. 3 ) in shape from theupper end 33 to thelower end 35. The base 23 can be generally circular, disk-like or still other shapes. An example of thelower end 35 may be cylindrical (FIGS. 2 and 6 ). In addition, a lip 36 (FIGS. 4 and 6 ) may extend radially inward from thelower end 35. - Embodiments of the
sidewall 31 may include thelower end 35 and a plurality of ribs 37 (FIG. 2 ) on the lower end. As shown inFIG. 4 , theribs 37 may circumscribe thelower end 35. In some versions, theribs 37 may be symmetrically spaced apart from each other about theaxis 25. Theribs 37 may extend radially outward (FIGS. 5 and 6 ) from thesidewall 31, relative to theaxis 25. - Some versions of the
ribs 37 are identical to each other, and other versions are not identical to each other. For example, relative to theaxis 25, theribs 37 may include top surfaces 39 (FIGS. 6 and 7 ) that may be substantially horizontal. The top surfaces 39 of theribs 37 also may be co-planar. In addition, theribs 37 may include have bottom surfaces 41. The bottom surfaces 41 may be tapered, such as the axial taper shown. Embodiments of theribs 37 may be circumferentially elongated (relative to axis 25) and beveled on each circumferential end 43 (FIG. 7 ). - In one example, the
sidewall 31 may further include at least one pin hole 45 (FIG. 8 ) extending therethrough. For example, thepin hole 45 may be located adjacent to one of theribs 37. A version of thepin hole 45 may be located axially above therib 37. Moreover, thepin hole 45 may be located adjacent to onecircumferential end 43 of therib 37. - In some embodiments, at least one of the
ribs 37 may be segmented by a notch 51 (FIG. 9 ) extending in an axial direction. For example, thesegmented rib 37 may include afirst segment 53 and asecond segment 55. Thenotch 51 may be located between the first andsecond segments first segment 53 may be circumferentially longer than thesecond segment 55, as shown. Embodiments of afirst end 57 of thenotch 51 may be circumferentially beveled. Asecond end 59 of thenotch 51 can extend essentially in a radial direction (with respect to axis 25), and can be substantially perpendicular to thesidewall 31. In one example, thefirst end 57 of thenotch 51 can be in a direction of rotation, R, of thesidewall 31 relative to the base 23 to permit relative rotation therebetween. Examples of thesecond end 59 of thenotch 51 may form a mechanical stop to prevent rotation of thesidewall 31 relative to thebase 23. In a version (FIG. 7 ), at least one ofribs 37 may not have anotch 51. Similarly, at least one of theribs 37 may not have apin hole 45 adjacent to it. - Embodiments of the base 23 (
FIGS. 1-3 ) may include a perimeter having a plurality oftabs 61 adjacent thereto. Thetabs 61 may be configured to engagerespective ribs 37 on thesidewall 31. For example, thetabs 61 may form recesses orsockets 63 for theribs 37. In some versions, thetabs 61 may not be identical. - In one embodiment, at least one of the
tabs 61 may include a catch 63 (FIGS. 2, 10 and 11 ). Thecatch 63 may be configured to engage the notch 51 (FIG. 9 ) in one of theribs 37. For example, thecatch 63 may extend axially upward from thebase 23. Thecatch 63 may be cantilevered such that thecatch 63 is configured to flex when thebase 23 engages thesidewall 31. In some versions, thecatch 63 may segment at least one of thetabs 61 into afirst segment 65 and asecond segment 67. The first andsecond segments catch 63 may protrude radially inward relative to theaxis 25. A version of thecatch 63 may include a leadingcircumferential side 69 that may be beveled for allowing relative rotation between the base 23 and thesidewall 31. The catch may further include a trailingcircumferential side 71 that may be substantially perpendicular to theaxis 25 for preventing relative rotation between the base 23 and thesidewall 61. - In another embodiment, at least one of the
tabs 61 may include a pin 73 (FIGS. 2 and 12 ). Thepin 73 may be configured to engage the pinhole 45 (FIG. 8 ) adjacent one of theribs 37. For example, thepin 73 may extend from apeg 75. Thepeg 75 may be cantilevered and extend axially upward from thebase 23, such that thepeg 75 may be configured to flex when thebase 23 engages thesidewall 31. Thepin 73 may extend radially inward from thepeg 75. In one version, thepeg 75 may be located at a circumferential end of thetab 61. In addition, thepeg 75 may segment thetab 61 into two segments. In other versions (FIG. 2 ), at least one of thetabs 61 may not have acatch 63 or apin 73. - Embodiments of the
tabs 61 may extend fromfeet 77. Thefeet 77 may be circumferentially arrayed in a symmetrical pattern and separated byrecesses 79. Therecesses 79 may be open (FIG. 2 ) or closed (FIG. 15 ) by thin layers that horizontally span between the bottoms offeet 77. - Examples of the base 23 may further include one or
more tiers tabs 61. Thetiers axis 25. In one version, a fewest number of drain holes 87 may be located on atier 85 adjacent theaxis 25. In another version, a larger number of drain holes 87 may be located in atier 81 adjacent the perimeter of thebase 23. In one example, a largest number of drain holes 87 may be located on atier 83 between theaxial tier 85 and theperimeter tier 81. The base 23 also may further include anaxial dimple 89. Theaxial dimple 89 may be located concentrically within theaxial tier 85. Theaxial dimple 89 may extend axially upward. In addition, at least some of the drain holes 87 also may function as function as ventilation holes. - In still another embodiment (
FIG. 13 ), acontainer 121 for a plant may include abase 123 and asidewall 131 coupled to thebase 123. Thesidewall 131 may include aninner layer 133 and anouter layer 135. Theouter layer 135 may be lighter in color than theinner layer 133. Theouter layer 135 may be configured to reflect light away from thecontainer 121. Theinner layer 133 may be darker in color than theouter layer 135. Theinner layer 133 may be configured to protect roots of the plant in thecontainer 121 from light exposure. - In addition, the
outer layer 135 may be thinner than theinner layer 133. For example, theouter layer 135 may have a wall thickness in a range of about 0.1 mm to about 0.25 mm. Some versions of theinner layer 133 may have a wall thickness in a range of about 0.5 mm to about 0.65 mm. The wall thickness of one or bothlayers layers layers - Other embodiments may include a total wall thickness of about 0.75 mm to about 1.3 mm. The total wall thickness may vary axially. For example, the total wall thickness of the
sidewall 131 at the top thereof may be less than the total wall thickness of thesidewall 131 at a bottom thereof. - Regarding coloration, CIELAB is the second of two systems adopted by CIE in 1976 as models that better showed uniform color spacing in their values. CIELAB is an opponent color system based on the earlier (1942) system of Richard Hunter called L, a, b. Color opposition correlates with discoveries in the mid-1960s that somewhere between the optical nerve and the brain, retinal color stimuli are translated into distinctions between light and dark, red and green, and blue and yellow. CIELAB indicates these values with three axes: L*, a*, and b*. The full nomenclature is 1976 CIE L*a*b* Space. A central vertical axis represents lightness (signified as L*) whose values run from 0 (black) to 100 (white). The color axes are based on the fact that a color cannot be both red and green, or both blue and yellow, because these colors oppose each other. On each axis the values run from positive to negative. On the a-a′ axis, positive values indicate amounts of red while negative values indicate amounts of green. On the b-b′ axis, yellow is positive and blue is negative. For both axes, zero is neutral gray.
- Accordingly, color may be claimed as a CIE color unit L* value having a range from zero (0) or black, up to 100 or pure white. Embodiments of the
inner layer 133 may have a CIE color unit L*<70. In other embodiments, theinner layer 133 may have a CIE color unit L*<60, a CIE color unit L*<50, a CIE color unit L*<40, a CIE color unit L*<30, a CIE color unit L*<20, a CIE color unit L*<10, or even a CIE color unit L*<5. The CIE color unit L* of theinner layer 133 also may be in a range between any of these values. - Similarly, embodiments of the
outer layer 135 may have a CIE color unit L*>30. In other embodiments, theouter layer 135 may have a CIE color unit L*>40, a CIE color unit L*>50, a CIE color unit L*>60, a CIE color unit L*>70, a CIE color unit L*>80, a CIE color unit L*>90, or even a CIE color unit L*>95. The CIE color unit L* of theouter layer 135 also may be in a range between any of these values. - In some embodiments, the inner and
outer layers outer layers - In other examples, the
outer layer 135 can be substantially white, and/or theinner layer 133 can be substantially black. The base 123 can be black. In another version, thebase 123,inner layer 133 and theouter layer 135 may comprise polyethylene or polypropylene. Optionally, theouter layer 135 may be a form of a shade of terra cotta, or a shade of green. In another example, theouter layer 135 can be thinner than theinner layer 133. Theouter layer 135 may be at least somewhat translucent such that it is not completely opaque. - There are other embodiments of a method of forming a container 21 (
FIGS. 1 and 2 ) for a plant. For example, versions of the method may include providing a base 23 with anaxis 25 and asidewall 31; axially placing thesidewall 31 onto thebase 23; and then rotating thebase 23 and thesidewall 31 relative to each other about theaxis 25 to form thecontainer 21. This method may include applying a slight axial force between the base 23 andsidewall 31. The method also may include locking thebase 23 andsidewall 31 to each other. - Another embodiment of a
container 21 for a plant is again depicted inFIGS. 1-3 . Thecontainer 21 may include abase 23 and a first sidewall 31 (FIGS. 1 and 2 ) having a first shape (e.g., a generally square top with rounded corners, as shown). Thefirst sidewall 31 may be configured to be interchangeably mountable to thebase 23. In addition, a second sidewall 31 (FIG. 3 ) may have a second shape (e.g., generally conical) that is different from the first shape. Thesecond sidewall 31 may be configured to be interchangeably mountable to the base 23 when thefirst sidewall 31 is not mounted to thebase 23. - Referring now to
FIGS. 14A and 14B , an embodiment of acontainer 301 for a plant may include abase 303 and asidewall 305 attached to thebase 303. When thecontainer 301 is not substantially filled with a plant substrate (e.g., at least mostly empty, as shown inFIG. 14A ), thesidewall 305 has a nominal sidewall shape. For example, the nominal shape may be polygonal, such as a generally square top with rounded corners. However, when thecontainer 301 begins to fill or is substantially filled with a plant substrate 307 (FIG. 14B ), thesidewall 305 may be forced outward by theplant substrate 307 to shift thesidewall 305 to a second sidewall shape. For example, the second sidewall shape could be non-polygonal, such as a generally round shape, that differs from the nominal sidewall shape. -
FIG. 17 depicts another embodiment of acontainer 301. Adding substrate to thecontainer 301 adds weight. In some versions, the weight of the substrate causes thebase 303 to intentionally deform and grip thesidewall 303 at a higher force of retention. In some versions, the weight of the substrate can cause the bottom of the base 303 to intentionally deform and flare outward and upward, as shown. - In some versions, the
sidewall 305 may have sufficient sidewall thickness and turgidity to remain upright and not sag when attached to thebase 303. However, in other embodiments, the sidewall may be somewhat thin and flexible (e.g., bag-like) and lack rigidity, such that some sag is permitted. In some versions, the shape shift of thesidewall 305 from the nominal sidewall shape to the second sidewall shape can be in a prescribed range, such as from about 10% to about 90% of a change in shape. Embodiments of thesidewall 305 may be sufficiently strong and attached to the base 303 such that lifting thecontainer 301 by only thesidewall 305 also lifts thebase 303. Thebase 303 andsidewall 305 may be attached by any known means, such as those disclosed elsewhere herein. -
FIG. 15 depicts another embodiment of acontainer 421 for a plant. In this version, thebase 423 andsidewall 431 may be configured as described for the other embodiments disclosed herein. In addition,container 421 may be configured to be assembled by a fixture 401 (FIG. 16 ). For example, thesidewall 431 may be provided withprotrusions 403. Embodiments of theprotrusions 403 may extend radially inward, such that recesses appear on the exterior ofsidewall 431. Versions of theprotrusions 403 may include a substantially flat, tapered, substantially vertical orientation, as shown, that is substantially parallel to thesidewall 431, and offset from each other by 180 degrees. In some examples, the narrowest portions of the protrusions may be theirtops 405, which may be rounded, and widest portions of the protrusions may be at theirbottoms 407. - Embodiments of
base 423 may include atier 485 ofholes 487 with at least one kidney-shaped hole 488 (e.g., two shown).Base 423 may further comprise anaxial dimple 489 having abeveled aperture 490 in its center. - Embodiments of a method of assembling the
container 421 for a plant may include abase 423, asidewall 431 configured to be coupled to the base, and the fixture 401 (FIG. 16 ) to couple thesidewall 431 to thebase 423. For example, in operation,fixture 401 may be positioned in front of a user withaxis 402 in a substantially vertical orientation. Asidewall 431 is inverted upside down (i.e., rotated 180 degrees fromFIG. 15 ), substantially axially aligned with thefixture 401, and placed on thefixture 401.Fixture 401 may be conical in shape and provided withrecesses 409 on its outer surface.Recesses 409 are complementary in shape to and closely receiveprotrusions 403 onsidewall 431. Ifprotrusions 403 are rotationally misaligned withrecesses 409,sidewall 431 may be rotated until theprotrusions 403 seat in therecesses 409 to preventsidewall 431 from further rotation. - Next, a
base 423 is inverted upside down (i.e., rotated 180 degrees fromFIG. 15 ), substantially axially aligned with thefixture 401, and placed on thesidewall 431 that is onfixture 401. Embodiments of the top of thefixture 401 may be recessed in such a manner as to be complementary in shape to and receive the top ofbase 423. In some versions,fixture 401 has anaxial pin 411 that extends through thebeveled aperture 490, and aneccentric pin 413 that extends through one of the two kidney-shapedholes 488. In other versions,fixture 401 may have aneccentric pin 413 for each kidney-shapedhole 488. Thepins - With
base 423 properly installed, features onbase 423 are ready to be engaged with features onsidewall 431.Base 423 is then rotated until the respective features engage to form the assembledcontainer 421. The assembledcontainer 421 is removed from thefixture 401, and the process may be repeated to form other assembledcontainers 421. - Other versions may include one or more of the following embodiments:
- A container for a plant, comprising:
- a base having an axis; and
- a sidewall configured to be rotationally attached to the base about the axis to form the container, and the sidewall is configured to surround a portion of the base and extend axially upward from the base.
- The container of any of these embodiments, wherein an angle of rotation to secure the sidewall to the base is in a range of about 15 degrees to about 90 degrees.
- The container of any of these embodiments, wherein the sidewall is configured to be locked to the base.
- The container of any of these embodiments, wherein the sidewall is secured to the base with at least one of a stake, sonic weld, adhesive and fastener.
- The container of any of these embodiments, wherein the sidewall is releasably coupled to the base.
- The container of any of these embodiments, wherein both the base and the sidewall are substantially conical in shape.
- The container of any of these embodiments, wherein the sidewall comprises an upper end that is square with rounded corners, the sidewall has a lower end that is circular, and the base is circular.
- The container of any of these embodiments, wherein the base comprises a different material than the sidewall.
- The container of any of these embodiments, wherein the base has a thickness that is greater than that of the sidewall.
- The container of any of these embodiments, wherein the sidewall has a lower end that is cylindrical, and a lip extends radially inward from the lower end.
- The container of any of these embodiments, wherein the sidewall comprises a lower end and a plurality of ribs or threads on the lower end.
- The container of any of these embodiments, wherein the ribs are symmetrically spaced apart from each other about the axis, and the ribs extend radially outward from the sidewall.
- The container of any of these embodiments, wherein the ribs are not identical to each other.
- The container of any of these embodiments, wherein the ribs are circumferentially elongated and beveled on each circumferential end.
- The container of any of these embodiments, wherein, relative to the axis, the ribs have substantially horizontal top surfaces that are substantially co-planar, and the ribs have tapered bottom surfaces.
- The container of any of these embodiments, wherein the sidewall further comprises at least one pin hole extending therethrough, and the pin hole is adjacent to one of the ribs.
- The container of any of these embodiments, wherein the pin hole is located axially above said one of the ribs, and the pin hole is adjacent to one circumferential end of said one of the ribs.
- The container of any of these embodiments, wherein at least one of the ribs is segmented by a notch extending in an axial direction.
- The container of any of these embodiments, wherein the segmented rib has a first segment and a second segment, the notch is between the first and second segments, and the first segment is circumferentially longer than the second segment.
- The container of any of these embodiments, wherein a first end of the notch is circumferentially beveled, and a second end of the notch is substantially perpendicular to the sidewall.
- The container of any of these embodiments, wherein the first end of the notch is in a direction of rotation of the sidewall relative to the base and permits relative rotation therebetween, and the second end of the notch forms a mechanical stop to prevent rotation of the sidewall relative to the base.
- The container of any of these embodiments, wherein at least one of ribs does not have a notch, and said at least one of the ribs does not have a pin hole adjacent to it.
- The container of any of these embodiments, wherein the base comprises a perimeter having a plurality of tabs adjacent thereto, and the tabs are configured to engage respective ribs on the sidewall.
- The container of any of these embodiments, wherein the tabs form sockets for the ribs on the sidewall.
- The container of any of these embodiments, wherein the tabs are not identical.
- The container of any of these embodiments, wherein at least one of the tabs comprises a catch configured to engage a notch in one of the ribs.
- The container of any of these embodiments, wherein the catch extends axially upward from the base and is cantilevered such that the catch is configured to flex when the base engages the sidewall.
- The container of any of these embodiments, wherein the catch segments at least one of the tabs into at least two segments.
- The container of any of these embodiments, wherein the catch protrudes radially inward relative to the axis, the catch has a leading circumferential side that is beveled for allowing relative rotation between the base and the sidewall, and the catch has a trailing circumferential side that is substantially perpendicular to the axis for preventing relative rotation between the base and the sidewall.
- The container of any of these embodiments, wherein at least one of the tabs comprises a pin configured to engage a pinhole adjacent one of the ribs.
- The container of any of these embodiments, wherein the pin extends from a peg that is cantilevered and extends axially upward from the base, such that the peg is configured to flex when the base engages the sidewall, and the pin extends radially inward from the peg.
- The container of any of these embodiments, wherein the peg is located at a circumferential end of said at least one of the tabs.
- The container of any of these embodiments, wherein the peg segments said at least one of the tabs into at least two segments.
- The container of any of these embodiments, wherein at least one of the tabs does not have a catch or a pin.
- The container of any of these embodiments, wherein the tabs extend from feet that are circumferentially arrayed in a symmetrical pattern and separated by recesses.
- The container of any of these embodiments, wherein the base comprises a plurality of tiers of drain holes located concentrically within the tabs.
- The container of any of these embodiments, wherein the tiers of drain holes ascend in elevation toward the axis, a fewest number of drain holes is located on a tier adjacent the axis, a larger number of drain holes is located in a tier adjacent the perimeter, and a largest number of drain holes is located on a tier between the axial tier and the perimeter tier.
- The container of any of these embodiments, further comprising an axial dimple located concentrically within the axial tier, and the axial dimple extends axially upward.
- A container for a plant, comprising:
- a base; and
- a sidewall configured to be mounted to the base, the sidewall having an inner layer and an outer layer, the outer layer is lighter in color than the inner layer, the outer layer is configured to reflect light away from the container, the inner layer is darker in color than the outer layer, and the inner layer is configured to protect roots of the plant in the container from light exposure.
- The container of any of these embodiments, wherein the outer layer has a CIE color unit L*>70, and the inner layer has a CIE color unit L*<30.
- The container of any of these embodiments, wherein the outer layer is substantially white, and the inner layer is substantially black.
- The container of any of these embodiments, wherein the base, inner layer and outer layer comprise polyethylene or polypropylene, and the base is black.
- The container of any of these embodiments, wherein the outer layer is a shade of terra cotta, or a shade of green.
- The container of any of these embodiments, wherein the outer layer has a thinner wall thickness than the inner layer, and the outer layer wall thickness is not greater than about 0.3 mm.
- The container of any of these embodiments, wherein the outer layer is at least somewhat translucent such that it is not completely opaque.
- The container of any of these embodiments, wherein the outer layer has a wall thickness that is less than that of the inner layer.
- The container of any of these embodiments, wherein the outer layer has a wall thickness in a range of about 0.1 mm to about 0.25 mm.
- The container of any of these embodiments, wherein the inner layer has a wall thickness in a range of about 0.5 mm to about 0.65 mm.
- The container of any of these embodiments, wherein a wall thickness of at least one of the outer and inner layers varies axially.
- The container of any of these embodiments, wherein a wall thickness of at least one of the outer and inner layers at a top portion thereof is less than the wall thickness of said at least one of the outer and inner layers at a bottom portion thereof.
- The container of any of these embodiments, wherein the sidewall comprises a total wall thickness of about 0.75 mm to about 1.3 mm.
- The container of any of these embodiments, wherein the sidewall has a total wall thickness that varies axially.
- The container of any of these embodiments, wherein the total wall thickness of the sidewall at a top portion thereof is less than the total wall thickness of the sidewall at a bottom portion thereof.
- A method of forming a container for a plant, comprising:
- (a) providing a base with an axis and a sidewall that is a separate component from the base;
- (b) axially placing the sidewall onto the base; and then
- (c) rotating the base and the sidewall relative to each other about the axis to form the container.
- The method of any of these embodiments, wherein step (b) comprises applying a slight axial force between the base and sidewall.
- The method of any of these embodiments, wherein step (c) comprises locking the base and sidewall to each other.
- The method of any of these embodiments, wherein steps (b) and (c) comprise using a fixture to form the container.
- The method of any of these embodiments, further comprising, after step (c), adding substrate to the container, such that a weight of the substrate causes the base to deform and grip the sidewall at a higher force of retention.
- A container for a plant, comprising:
- a base having an axis;
- a sidewall configured to be coupled to the base, wherein the sidewall is tubular; and
- a fixture configured to couple the sidewall to the base by rotating the base and sidewall relative to each other.
- The container of any of these embodiments, wherein a top of the fixture is complementary in shape to a top of the base, and a side of the fixture is complementary in shape to an interior of the sidewall.
- The container of any of these embodiments, wherein the fixture comprises exterior recesses that are complementary in shape to interior protrusions of the sidewall to prevent relative rotation therebetween.
- The container of any of these embodiments, wherein the fixture comprises pins that are configured to engage apertures in the base.
- The container of any of these embodiments, wherein the pins comprise an axial pin and an eccentric pin that is eccentric to the axis.
- The container of any of these embodiments, wherein the pins comprise different sizes.
- A container for a plant, comprising:
- a base;
- a first sidewall having a first shape, and the first sidewall is configured to be interchangeably mountable to the base; and
- a second sidewall having a second shape that is different from the first shape, and the second sidewall is configured to be interchangeably mountable to the base when the first sidewall is not mounted to the base.
- A container for a plant, comprising:
- a base; and
- a sidewall attached to the base, wherein when the container is not substantially filled with a plant substrate, the sidewall has a nominal sidewall shape, and when the container is substantially filled with the plant substrate, the sidewall is forced by the plant substrate to shift to a second sidewall shape that differs from the nominal sidewall shape.
- The container of any of these embodiments, wherein, when the container does not contain substrate, the sidewall has sufficient sidewall thickness and turgidity to remain upright and not sag when attached to the base.
- The container of any of these embodiments, wherein the nominal sidewall shape is polygonal, and the second sidewall shape is not polygonal.
- The container of any of these embodiments, wherein the nominal sidewall shape is substantially rectangular, and the second sidewall shape is substantially conical.
- The container of any of these embodiments, wherein the shape shift from the nominal sidewall shape to the second sidewall shape is in a range from about 10% to about 90%.
- The container of any of these embodiments, wherein the sidewall is sufficiently attached to the base such that lifting the container by only the sidewall also lifts the base.
- This written description uses examples to disclose the embodiments, including the best mode, and also to enable those of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention. The patentable scope is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.
- Note that not all of the activities described above in the general description or the examples are required, that a portion of a specific activity may not be required, and that one or more further activities may be performed in addition to those described. Still further, the order in which activities are listed are not necessarily the order in which they are performed.
- In the foregoing specification, the concepts have been described with reference to specific embodiments. However, one of ordinary skill in the art appreciates that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the claims below. Accordingly, the specification and figures are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of invention.
- As used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” “including,” “has,” “having” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of features is not necessarily limited only to those features but may include other features not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. Further, unless expressly stated to the contrary, “or” refers to an inclusive-or and not to an exclusive-or. For example, a condition A or B is satisfied by any one of the following: A is true (or present) and B is false (or not present), A is false (or not present) and B is true (or present), and both A and B are true (or present).
- Also, the use of “a” or “an” are employed to describe elements and components described herein. This is done merely for convenience and to give a general sense of the scope of the invention. This description should be read to include one or at least one and the singular also includes the plural unless it is obvious that it is meant otherwise.
- Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described above with regard to specific embodiments. However, the benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any feature(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential feature of any or all the claims.
- After reading the specification, skilled artisans will appreciate that certain features are, for clarity, described herein in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features that are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any subcombination. Further, references to values stated in ranges include each and every value within that range.
Claims (22)
1-20. (canceled)
21. A container for a plant and plant substrate, comprising:
a base having an axis; and
a sidewall having an open bottom, the sidewall is configured to be rotationally attached to the base about the axis to form the container, and the sidewall is configured to surround a portion of the base and extend axially upward from the base.
22. The container of claim 21 , wherein an angle of rotation to secure the sidewall to the base is in a range of about 15 degrees to about 90 degrees, and the base is configured to directly contact and support the plant substrate such that the plant substrate sits directly on top of the base.
23. The container of claim 21 , wherein the sidewall is configured to be locked to the base, and the base comprises drain holes.
24. The container of claim 21 , wherein the sidewall is secured to a top of the base.
25. The container of claim 21 , wherein an exterior of the sidewall is releasably coupled to an interior of the base.
26. The container of claim 21 , wherein the base comprises a base perimeter having a plurality of tabs adjacent thereto, and the tabs are configured to engage respective ribs on the sidewall, and the ribs are located adjacent a sidewall perimeter of the sidewall.
27. The container of claim 21 , wherein both the base and the sidewall are substantially frustoconical in shape.
28. The container of claim 21 , wherein the base comprises a different material than the sidewall.
29. The container of claim 21 , wherein the base has a thickness that is greater than that of the sidewall.
30. The container of claim 21 , wherein the base comprises a plurality of tiers of drain holes at different vertical elevations with respect to the axis.
31.-40. (canceled)
41. A container for a plant and plant substrate, comprising:
a base having an axis and drain holes; and
a sidewall configured to be co-axially attached to the base to form the container, and the sidewall is configured to surround a portion of the base and extend axially upward from the base.
42. The container of claim 41 , wherein the base is configured to directly contact and support the plant substrate such that the plant substrate sits directly on top of the base.
43. The container of claim 41 , wherein an exterior of the sidewall is releasably coupled to an interior of the base.
44. The container of claim 41 , wherein the base comprises a base perimeter having a plurality of tabs adjacent thereto, and the tabs are configured to engage respective ribs on the sidewall, and the ribs are located adjacent a sidewall perimeter of the sidewall.
45. The container of claim 41 , wherein the drain holes in the base comprise a plurality of tiers of drain holes.
46. A container for a plant and plant substrate, comprising:
a base having an axis; and
a sidewall configured to be rotationally attached to the base about the axis to form the container, and the sidewall is configured to surround a portion of the base and extend axially upward from the base; and wherein
the base is configured to directly contact and support the plant substrate such that the plant substrate sits directly on top of the base.
47. The container of claim 46 , wherein the base comprises drain holes.
48. The container of claim 46 , wherein an exterior of the sidewall is releasably coupled to an interior of the base.
49. The container of claim 46 , wherein the base comprises a base perimeter having a plurality of tabs adjacent thereto, and the tabs are configured to engage respective ribs on the sidewall, and the ribs are located adjacent a sidewall perimeter of the sidewall.
50. The container of claim 46 , wherein the base comprises a plurality of tiers of drain holes.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US15/490,635 US20180125014A1 (en) | 2016-11-07 | 2017-04-18 | Modular pot for a plant |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US15/344,623 US20180125013A1 (en) | 2016-11-07 | 2016-11-07 | Modular pot for a plant |
US15/490,635 US20180125014A1 (en) | 2016-11-07 | 2017-04-18 | Modular pot for a plant |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US15/344,623 Continuation US20180125013A1 (en) | 2016-11-07 | 2016-11-07 | Modular pot for a plant |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20180125014A1 true US20180125014A1 (en) | 2018-05-10 |
Family
ID=62065048
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US15/344,623 Abandoned US20180125013A1 (en) | 2016-11-07 | 2016-11-07 | Modular pot for a plant |
US15/490,635 Abandoned US20180125014A1 (en) | 2016-11-07 | 2017-04-18 | Modular pot for a plant |
Family Applications Before (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US15/344,623 Abandoned US20180125013A1 (en) | 2016-11-07 | 2016-11-07 | Modular pot for a plant |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (2) | US20180125013A1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN108142143A (en) |
MX (1) | MX2017014286A (en) |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20210307256A1 (en) * | 2020-04-02 | 2021-10-07 | Ningbo Holby Agricultural Science & Technology Co., Ltd. | Type of planting pot |
US11343975B2 (en) * | 2018-10-30 | 2022-05-31 | Thomsen Sas | Pot for culturing an epiphyte and epiphyte potted therein |
Families Citing this family (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20180184601A1 (en) * | 2017-01-03 | 2018-07-05 | Earl Brian Graffius | Self-Watering Insert For A Plant Container |
US11785904B2 (en) * | 2018-01-03 | 2023-10-17 | Earl B. Graffius | Self-regulating watering insert for a plant container |
US11723326B2 (en) * | 2021-09-02 | 2023-08-15 | Haier Us Appliance Solutions, Inc. | Pod mounting interface for an indoor garden center |
Family Cites Families (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4224764A (en) * | 1979-02-14 | 1980-09-30 | Phillips Petroleum Company | Container having attached tray |
US20090241417A1 (en) * | 2008-03-29 | 2009-10-01 | Smith Thomas J | Open Bottomed Planting Pot with Releaseable Bottom Cover |
DE202013002679U1 (en) * | 2013-03-20 | 2013-06-26 | Jelenia Plast Sp. Z.O.O. | Stabilized flower pot made of plastic |
CN204466380U (en) * | 2015-03-05 | 2015-07-15 | 华乐园艺(馆陶)种植有限公司 | A kind of degradable gardens cultivating container |
CN205511151U (en) * | 2016-04-26 | 2016-08-31 | 王程 | Combination of rotation formula flowerpot |
-
2016
- 2016-11-07 US US15/344,623 patent/US20180125013A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2017
- 2017-04-18 US US15/490,635 patent/US20180125014A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2017-11-07 CN CN201711083930.8A patent/CN108142143A/en active Pending
- 2017-11-07 MX MX2017014286A patent/MX2017014286A/en unknown
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US11343975B2 (en) * | 2018-10-30 | 2022-05-31 | Thomsen Sas | Pot for culturing an epiphyte and epiphyte potted therein |
US20210307256A1 (en) * | 2020-04-02 | 2021-10-07 | Ningbo Holby Agricultural Science & Technology Co., Ltd. | Type of planting pot |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US20180125013A1 (en) | 2018-05-10 |
CN108142143A (en) | 2018-06-12 |
MX2017014286A (en) | 2018-09-27 |
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Legal Events
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